Rattlesnakes are easily recognized animals. There are 32 known species of rattlesnakes that live in North and South America. Rattlesnakes are mainly associated with arid and desert rocky areas, but they can be also found in forests and swampy habitats.
Fast Facts about Rattlesnake
1. Size of rattlesnake depends on the species. Largest species can reach length of 8 feet. On average, rattlesnakes are 3 to 4 feet long.
2. Rattlesnakes are not very colourful because they like to camouflage with their environment. They are usually black, brown, olive or grey in colour.
3. Rattlesnakes have triangular head and vertical pupils
4. Rattlesnakes get their name from special structures on the tip of their tail. Their “rattle” is made of rings of keratin (the same material our fingernails are made of). When the snake shakes its tail, the rattles create a hissing sound.
5. Rattlesnakes are venomous snakes. They produce very strong hemotoxic venom (which destroys blood cells and vessels). It is used for hunting and for defense against predators. Rattlesnake bites are fatal for humans if not treated with antidote immediately.
6. One of the strange facts about rattlesnakes is that baby rattles are apt to be more dangerous than adult snakes since they do not have any control over the amount of venom they inject.
7. Rattlesnakes feed on rodents, squirrels, rabbits and other small critters.
8. Rattling sound informs predator to stay away from the snake. When rattlesnake is surprised, it can attack without producing rattling sound.
9. Rattlesnakes are excellent swimmers.
10. Rattlesnakes generally take several years to mature, and females usually reproduce only once every three years.